Living Rooms on an Airplane?

Fold down service, a gym, a spa, and a living area. You probably think I am describing hotel accommodations, right? Wrong. Those features are likely going to be seen in the near future aboard international flights. Of course, all of these luxuries are going to come at a steep price, and those willing and able to pay up can kiss away the days of difficult flying experiences.

For those in the airplane design industry, most upgrades and changes are made in the first or business class cabins, providing the high-rollers a more accommodating flight. The Daily Mail reported that quite a few firms have begun the innovation process for making airplanes feel more like hotels, especially for the 1%. One of the designs includes six, suite-style accommodations with an armchair or couch that changes into a double bed, a 42 inch TV, and even a “smart in-flight service system”, which helps to predict wants and needs of the passenger. Though some companies, such as Singapore Airlines have already launched the suite concept, the design and enhancements being made by these design firms are beyond any current flying experience.

An additional concept being considered is the idea of creating more amenities for fliers to enjoy during their air time. By creating a split-level design, the cabin will provide areas for lounging, dining, and entertainment enjoyment on one floor and private relaxation or sleep rooms on the other. New Territory, a design firm that developed the business class section of an Aero Mexico aircraft which includes a self-service bar and snack grabbing area, has truly become an innovator for new air travel scenarios.

New Territory has recently launched a completely different design concept called the “Aerobus Transpose.” The basic idea behind the unique model is the ability for a flight to never have to make drastic changes to its interior design. With removable “pods” compiling the internal structure of the planes, the number of suites or coach seats can be adapted almost instantaneously to personalize each flight.

As everything in our ever-changing world begins to adapt to new and improved technologies, the way we travel can never become an exception. Although most of these luxury flight experiences come with a hefty price tag, I would hate for anyone eligible to pass up the opportunity to explore the skies in such a lavish way. I am extremely enthusiastic to see the direction in which air travel adapts as our society continues to evolve!

Dave Pflieger is currently the CEO of Island Air and previously the President and CEO of Silver Airways. Previously, Dave Pflieger was the CEO & Managing Director of Air Pacific (later Fiji Airways). Before joining Air Pacific, Mr. Pflieger was a Founding Officer and Senior Vice President at Virgin America from 2004 to 2010.